A new program has come to Mandurah that focuses on empowering girls and their dads through cricket, and works to break down gender bias and stereotypes around young women in sport.
The program by WA Cricket runs for nine weeks in Term 4, with a 1.5-hour session each week.
WA Cricket Female Engagement and Volunteers Specialist Caitlin Spencer said the program had previously run in New South Wales at two sites last year, in Sydney and Newcastle, but this was the first time it was being run in WA.
"We chose Halls Head as a location after a local representative from the City of Mandurah asked to work with us on delivering the program and because of the location being on the edge of our metropolitan region, we wanted to ensure we were still offering opportunities to the daughters and dads in this area," Ms Spencer said.
"The popularity of women's cricket provides a unique opportunity to empower young women and help build a relationship with fathers - or father figures. I think cricket is one of the few sports where fathers and daughters can engage on an equal playing field.
"Female cricketers are incredible role models for young women and this program allows young women to really engage with their fathers and be supported by their fathers in breaking gender stereotypes when it comes to sport.
"You just have to look at the popularity of the Women's Big Bash League and women's cricket in general to see that this is a real opportunity to build confidence for these girls and build that bond between a daughter and their father."
The sessions begin on Thursday, October 21, 4-5:30pm at Halls Head Community Centre.
Bookings are essential through play.cricket.com.au
Daniela Cooper
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daniela has returned to her first love after a decade of working in local, state and federal governments, non-profits and the corporate world. She has a passion for injustice; to be a voice for those who don't have one; to hold power to account; and to bring readers the news without fear. She loves to explore new places and unfamiliar topics (both in her professional and private life) but her go-to loves are travel, health, social justice, foreign affairs and the outdoors. Email daniela.cooper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
